Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape production testing for cutting-edge weapon systems and support test engineering.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to protecting freedom.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with excellent career growth and employee-led networks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Level 4 qualification in Engineering or related field and relevant industry experience.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 52500 £ per year.
This role provides a unique chance to shape how MBDA undertakes production testing.
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 4-5 days per week on-site due to workload classification.
Security Clearance: British Citizen only. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking.
- Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.
The opportunity:
This opportunity is for a Principal Test Engineer to join the Manufacturing organisation supporting test system introduction and test and diagnostics of electrical/electronic weapon systems and sub-assemblies during the development / early production phase. You will work as part of the Manufacturing UK Test Engineering function, responsible for development testing and ensuring production readiness of new products and their test solutions.
Providing Test Engineering support during Design / Development phases from initial concept through to Production Readiness Review and release to Operations. Supporting Test Facility introduction and ensure that appropriate configuration control of equipment and facilities is in place prior to use, including generating supporting test specifications and operator instructions. Supporting testing of electrical/electronic weapon systems, sub-assemblies and circuit cards, with diagnosis of development test failures down to circuit card and potentially component level, including identification of proposed remedial and corrective actions. Working closely with Operations, design teams and other stakeholders to overcome any technical challenges. Providing technical support and advice to the Test Engineering Team Lead and guiding and mentoring less experienced test engineers within the team.
You will be working with a small team of dedicated engineers in a fast-paced but friendly and inclusive manufacturing environment. The team has a great mix of personnel ranging from apprentices and graduate engineers through to experienced technical practitioners, all striving to deliver technical excellence across a number of different products in development and production.
What we're looking for from you:
- Minimum Qualification Level Level 4 or greater in Engineering (preferably Electrical, Electronic, Aerospace or Mechanical), Physics or Maths. Must include modules for Electronic Principles (digital or analogue) or Electrical Principles.
- Several years' experience in related industry / manufacturing.
- A good understanding of electrical/electronic and RF measurement and test principles and test equipment, as well as systems-level functional testing.
- Experience of the product development lifecycle and supporting processes, in an electronics manufacturing environment.
- Significant experience of using both manual and automated test equipment, preferably in a defence organisation or similar manufacturing environment.
- The ability to plan and organise own work in order to ensure multiple tasks can be prioritised and delivered against Project objectives, whilst being available to support others.
- Good verbal and written communication skills, including working within a team, generation of test specifications, operator instructions and technical reports based on higher-level requirements.
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.
We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more. We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer in Manchester employer: Mbda Uk
Contact Detail:
Mbda Uk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at MBDA on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss your experience with electrical/electronic systems confidently, as this will be key in showcasing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled technical challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to work closely with teams and overcome obstacles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the MBDA team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer role. Highlight your relevant qualifications and any specific projects you've worked on that relate to electrical/electronic systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for manufacturing testing and how your background aligns with our mission at MBDA. Don't forget to mention any experience you have in defence or similar industries!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to detail your experience with both manual and automated test equipment. We want to see how you've applied your knowledge of electrical principles and testing methodologies in real-world scenarios.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our MBDA Careers website. This ensures that your application is seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mbda Uk
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of electrical and electronic principles, as well as RF measurement techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with both manual and automated test equipment, especially in a manufacturing or defence context.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled technical challenges in the past. Think about specific instances where you diagnosed test failures and implemented corrective actions. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and work collaboratively with teams.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You’ll need to generate test specifications and technical reports, so being able to explain complex ideas simply is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your communication skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Highlight your experience working in diverse teams and mentoring less experienced engineers. MBDA values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve contributed to team success and supported your colleagues in achieving project objectives.